Opinions from a loyal Labour Party member
Posts tagged Nick Clegg
Gordon Brown email to Labour Party members
741 days
by Stuart Bruce
in Labour Party
Stuart
I wanted to explain to you the decision I have taken today.
I have said since Friday that it is crucial that this country, which I love so dearly, has a principled and strong government that can meet the challenge of securing the recovery and changing our politics.
As we know, the Liberal Democrats felt that they should first talk to the Conservative Party. Mr Clegg has just informed me this afternoon that he intends to continue those discussions and now wants to open up formal discussions with the Labour Party. I think it is sensible that we respond positively.
It is clear to me that there is a progressive majority in Britain and I believe it could be in the interests of the whole country to form a progressive coalition government. If the national interest can be served by such a coalition then I should discharge the duty to form that government.
But I have no desire to stay in my position longer than is needed to ensure that the path to progress is assured. The reason we have a hung Parliament is that no single party and no single leader was able to win the full support of the country. As the leader of this great party, I must accept that is a judgement on me.
Therefore I intend to ask the Labour Party to set in train the process needed for a leadership election. I would hope for a leader to be in place by Labour Party conference. I will play no part in that contest and will back no individual candidate.
Once again can I thank you for your unstinting help and commitment to this wonderful party. Sarah and I appreciate the kindness you have shown us over the years.
I will of course stay in contact with you over the coming weeks and months.
Yours sincerely
Gordon Brown
Cameron and Brown rejected by the people – what next?
744 days
The nation has spoken. It is crying out for change, but not the change offered by Cameron’s Conservatives. The Tories have been clearly rejected with the overwhelming majority of the country saying no to its manifesto for change. The Tories can’t claim this as anything but a defeat.
But let’s be fair, Gordon Brown has also been rejected. Labour can’t claim this as anything but a defeat. The people haven’t rejected Labour, but neither have they given Brown a ringing endorsement.
Nick Clegg’s Liberal Democrats are in a more of a mixed position. They’ve an overwhelming right to scream about the unfairness of the system. A massive six million plus votes and just over 50 seats just isn’t morally right.
Everyone is speculating as to what will happen next.
What is constitutionally correct? Gordon Brown continues as Prime Minister until May 25 and tries to form a Government with the support of minority parties, including the Lib Dems.
What is morally correct? The problem with what is constitutionally correct, is that it isn’t morally right. Neither Cameron or Brown have the moral right to govern.
What is politically possible? Who knows? Clegg doesn’t look likely to do a deal with Brown, but practically Labour needs weeks if not months to change it’s leader. Cameron might try to stage an electoral coup and attempt a minority government, even though the Tory manifesto has been resoundly rejected.
My solution? Gordon Brown should seize the moral high ground and do the following:
- Announce that he doesn’t have the moral right to govern.
- Ask Cameron to form a government…
- … on the condition that before the end of the year we have a referendum on electoral reform. Cameron can continue to oppose a more democratic voting system and cling to the status quo, but he’s got to give the people the opportunity to decide. Not him.
- And that on the new system (or old if that’s what people want) we have a new election before the end of June next year.
Cameron will then be faced with a choice. He can put Britain first, or he can put his party first. Brown will already have shown that he puts Britain first, can Cameron match him? I doubt it. That gives Brown the moral authority to remain as Prime Minister and do exactly what I’ve outlined – have a referendum and new election. He can then get on tackling sorting out the economy and the other important business of government.